Real Madrid have identified Brazilian youngster Lucas Silva to replace Sami Khedira as the Spanish giants are preparing to the life without the Arsenal and Chelsea target, reports in Spain claim.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder is a regular for the Brazil national youth teams and considered one of the jewels of the prolific Cruzeiro academy.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Silva was already close to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer and Los Blancos are now ready to step up the negotiations to secure his services.

Khedira's future in Carlo Ancelotti's side has been under scrutiny and he rejected a renewal offer to commit his future to the La Liga side at the end of last season.

With his contract due to expire next summer, Real Madrid are considering selling Khedira during the January transfer window in order to avoiding losing him for free at the end of the season.

Arsenal were already heavily linked with the German international throughout the summer transfer window but failed to agree personal terms with the player due to his high salary demands.

But with the north London side hit by a number of injuries during the start of the season, including Mikel Arteta, recent reports claimed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to renew his efforts for Khedira in January.

At the same time, Standard Sport has reported that Chelsea are also ready to offer Khedira a pre-contract in January in order to sign him as a free agent at the end of the season.

Jose Mourinho signed Khedira during his time at Real Madrid and is reportedly likely to reunite with the player at Stamford Bridge.

Standard Sport revealed Khedira enjoyed a great relationship with Mourinho and the Blues are said to be leading the race ahead of the Gunners to sign him.